What piece of furniture or decor can do as much as a mirror? It makes small rooms bigger, dark rooms lighter, and (phew!) lets you know when you have lipstick on your teeth. But before it does any of that, you've got to get it up on the wall. We spoke with experts on how to hang a mirror (as well as where to do it, and when to bring in a pro) so that you can get it up with ease and grace and get to the best part quickly: Admiring your work.

• You should know: Not all mirrors are meant to be hung. "Some are designed to be leaners," explains Robert A. Downs of iLevelArt.com in Los Angeles, who has expertly hung mirrors and artwork for stars and design stores ranging from Heidi Klum and Ginnifer Goodwin to Grace Home Furnishings. "For these pieces, it's noted on the back, and if you do hang it and it breaks, a manufacturer's liability won't cover it."

• A cable wire hung across a single hook or nail is out of the question when it comes to safely hanging a mirror. Instead, Downs explains that each "D hook" on the back of the mirror needs its own hook in the wall.

• Consider a tilt: Jen Going, of the eponymous interior design firm and GoingHome furniture line, recommends hanging a mirror high on the wall at a downward tilt so it reflects more of the room.

HOW TO HANG A MIRROR...

• Above the mantel: Position it at least 4-5 inches above the top of the mantel. "But depending on the thickness of the frame, you may want to go higher so you don't get a dark shadow cast on your decor," notes Downs.

• In the bathroom: While many bathroom sinks will come with frameless mirrors mounted on the wall with adhesive, Downs recommends bringing in a professional to add a frame around that mirror for added visual interest. (A less expensive option than breaking the mirror off the wall and starting from scratch!)

• Over difficult surfaces: "Make sure to pick up special drill bits made exclusively for tile, glass, or concrete," advises Downs. Then resume hanging with appropriate hardware as if you were hanging on drywall.

• On the door: Choose a full-length mirror and position it so it takes up as much of the door as possible. Mirror clips are an easy way to execute this, but Downs recommends confirming that you have a solid core door to work with so hardware will fasten in properly.

WHERE TO HANG A MIRROR

• In a living room with Southern exposure, you'll want to make the most of cozy afternoon light, so place the mirror on the wall opposite the window, advises Going. If it's a bedroom, or somewhere you want to capitalize on morning light, try the adjacent window.

• The dining room is one of the most popular spaces for dramatic mirrors, especially if there's a beautiful chandelier to reflect. But, be mindful. "If it's a chandelier with an exposed bulb, the reflection can be glaring. Instead, try an antiqued mirror to diffuse it," says Going.

• Both Going and Downs agree that an entry hall is one of the best places in the house for a mirror. "Not only is is a beautiful accent, it's a tool to make a space look larger and brighter," she says.

TIPS AND TRICKS

• Tall rooms benefit from vertical mirrors, while long rooms do better with a horizontally-set mirror, advises Downs.

• Think twice before installing a mirror on anything that has a lot of movement, says Downs. Another risky place that you shouldn't try on your own: Above the bed. If you're considering that, you should make sure to get a pro in to get the job done safely.

• A bold move deserves bold execution: Downs often works with designers or clients to put a mirror over another mirror, accomplishing the idea by installing the front-most mirror on a cable system that can then be wrapped in rope, or other decorative materials.